David Coulthard revealed he understands the whole situation involving Max Verstappen and the British journalist at the Formula 1 Japanese GP. The former driver stated that it is complicated not to take some things personally.
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The race in Suzuka was marked by the expulsion of Gene Richards, from The Guardian, from a press conference with the Dutchman at the Red Bull hospitality. Justifying the case, the four-time champion cited a question, which he understood as mockery, after the 2025 Abu Dhabi GP when he lost the title to Lando Norris.
Despite those who criticized Verstappen’s attitude and for having carried a grudge for so long, Coulthard also understands the side and feelings of the Formula 1 four-time champion.
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“I can only compare it to the time when I was racing, and I never won the world championships that Max has won. But I was definitely open to some criticism from various journalists, and it’s very hard not to take it personally. I’m sure you don’t read the comments on some social media, because there will always be those who like you and those who don’t, and that’s how it works,” he said.
“If they were questioning my qualifying ability, it was a fair question – but, of course, it wasn’t easy to answer the same question repeatedly, and some journalists were much more dismissive. It’s their right, as journalists, to say what they see, but it’s hard not to take it personally, and no driver is exempt from that,” he added.
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